The Golden Bachelor

History

The idea for a dating show focused on people 65 and older first surfaced in January 2020, when The Bachelor producers put out a casting call. By July of that year, Variety reported that production on this senior-focused spin-off, along with other Bachelor-related projects, had been halted because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The priority was finishing the next seasons of The Bachelorette and The Bachelor. ABC unscripted executive Rob Mills told Variety that the initial response to the casting call was "rabid," and that some of the interviews were "touching."

He added that while Bachelor in Paradise would come next, the network was committed to making the senior show happen, but only if it could be done correctly, safely, and without hurting the other Bachelor cycles. ABC officially ordered The Golden Bachelor to series on May 16, 2023. A month later, on July 17, 72-year-old Gerry Turner was announced as the first lead. Filming started in Los Angeles in August 2023 and wrapped in Costa Rica.

Because of the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike, the first season aired on Thursdays, paired with the ninth season of Bachelor in Paradise, instead of its planned Monday slot. This filled gaps left by scripted shows. The series premiere became the highest-rated season premiere in the entire Bachelor franchise since 2021. ABC also noted it was the network's most-streamed unscripted program on Hulu.

The season finale was the most-watched Bachelor franchise episode since The Bachelor's season 25 finale in 2021. In February 2024, ABC ordered a spin-off called The Golden Bachelorette. On April 22, 2025, The Golden Bachelor was renewed for a second season, with 66-year-old retired football player Mel Owens announced as the lead.

International versions

The Australian edition of The Golden Bachelor, the first local Bachelor series not on Network 10, was commissioned for the Nine Network in late 2024. Nine confirmed the show at their 2025 Upfronts in October 2024, with Samantha Armytage hosting and Warner Bros. International Television Production Australia producing. In September 2025, Nine revealed the lead as 61-year-old Sydney resident Barry ‘Bear’ Myrden, alongside 20 female contestants. Separately, a Dutch version was announced on August 10, 2024, for streaming service Videoland in early 2025, produced by Warner Bros. International TV Productions. Chantal Janzen will host, and the Bachelor is 72-year-old entrepreneur Gerard.